Case Report: Multicomponent Intervention for Severe Food Selectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Single Case Study

Overview

Journal Front Psychiatry

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2024 Nov 26

PMID 39588548

Authors

Roberta Maggio

Laura Turriziani

Silvana Suraniti

Maria Graziano

Santina Patane

Anna Maria Randazzo

Claudio Passantino

Marcella Di Cara

Angelo Quartarone

Francesca Cucinotta

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Food selectivity is common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The treatment used can be invasive and difficult to implement, necessitating the exploration of multicomponent approaches. This study presents the case of a 9-year-old autistic girl with severe food selectivity, who ate exclusively liquid and semi-solid foods. A multicomponent intervention protocol was developed, including stimulus fading and positive reinforcement techniques, to increase acceptance of new textures and foods. Treatment sessions showed significant improvement in acceptance of semi-solid and novel foods, with a reduction in problem behaviors associated with mealtime. This study suggests that a multicomponent intervention can significantly improve food acceptance and reduce mealtime distress, proving to be a practical and effective treatment strategy in an autistic child. The intervention led to an increase in food acceptance and a reduction in mealtime-related distress, potentially improving the child and family's quality of life.

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